By Senator Catherine Cortez Masto
Photo from https://www.facebook.com/catherinecortezmasto/
Nevada’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities make up an essential part of our state’s economy and our culture. As we near the end of AAPI Heritage Month, it’s important that we recognize the rich heritages and honor the contributions of Nevada’s AAPI communities.
My community in Las Vegas has the largest AAPI population in the whole state. AAPI communities throughout Nevada have expanded so much since I was growing up in Las Vegas – I’m excited to see them continue to grow and thrive.
I’ve spoken with AAPI community members in every corner of our state; attended Kamayans, Night Markets, and other local events celebrating AAPI heritage; and worked with Nevada’s AAPI leaders to ensure their communities have access to the resources they need. The best part of my job is engaging with the people and businesses that make Las Vegas so unique.
Today, there are more than 34,000 Asian-owned businesses in Nevada, and that number continues to climb higher. I’m doing what I can to support small business owners throughout our state, making it easier to start a business, encouraging entrepreneurship, and protecting small businesses in our communities. Earlier this year, I introduced legislation to provide law enforcement with resources to crack down on organized retail crimes, ensuring AAPI small business owners can continue their operations safely and more easily. I have also pushed back on the President’s shortsighted tariffs, which have been making it harder for small business owners to stay afloat. I will continue to fight for the hard-working small businesses across our state.
I’m also focused on improving critical health care for AAPI Nevadans. Accessing mental health care continues to be a challenge for Nevadans from all backgrounds. That’s why I support Senator Mazie Hirono and Congresswoman Judy Chu’s bill to increase awareness and access to mental health care throughout the AAPI community. I have also pushed the Department of Health and Human Services to make sure schools across the state continue to receive funding for counselors and other mental health professionals. Together, we can reduce the stigma around mental illness and keep our kids and families safe.
This AAPI Heritage Month, I’m celebrating not only the contributions of AAPI Nevadans to our state, but also the ways we’ve worked together to deliver for our AAPI communities. But I know we have more work to do to support Nevada’s small businesses, lower costs, and protect our families. I will never stop working to make Nevada a better state for our children, families, and communities.
